Networking Communities
By sharing experiences and lessons learned communities can learn from each other at a much faster rate than from formal training or trial by error. Blue Ventures is currently working to develop a formal network of communities around Madagascar who are currently engaged in marine management. It hoped that by linking these communities together, they will develop faster, adapt better to challenges, and have a stronger voice in regional and national decision-making. Locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), are becoming a major new trend in Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean, with more than 50 LMMAs currently in existence in the region, compared to less than 5 in 2005. LMMAs are changing the old model of marine management where national governments were the sole resource managers and rule makers. Large parks and national legislation enforced by national fisheries officers, are more and more being complemented by small managed areas governed by community groups and supported by non-governmental organisations and local government.
Blue Ventures aims to support the LMMA movement in Madagascar by fostering connections and long-term relationships between Madagascar's 16 LMMAs. Through exchange trips, participatory video exchanges, telephone trees, and an annual meeting, a learning network will be established and continually reinforced, leading to the faster and stronger development of the LMMAs of Madagascar. At the same time, BV will continue to encourage international connections with LMMAs around the Indian Ocean. An informal network of LMMAs, LMMA experts, and support organisations is also under development in order to scale up LMMA approaches and strategies across the region.
Figure 1: Local Management Initiatives in the Western Indian Ocean
Andao fa Lera!
Since last year the Velondriake Management Committee and Blue Ventures have been working with their neighbors in Morombe to set up the Teariake ("Love the Sea") natural resource management committee. Teariake is implementing the Velondriake LMMA (locally-managed marine area) model, establishing a system of temporary and permanent coastal and marine reserves designed to protect and sustainably manage the resources the community relies on for its livelihood. This short film (below) shows events from Teariake's recent festival in Morombe, where Teariake organized football matches, boat races, concerts, speeches, and public awareness activities to celebrate its new reserves sand new conservation legislation. The festival's theme was "Andao Fa Lera! Vezo Miara Miasa!" -- Let's go, it's Time! Vezo Work Together! Watch here to see how Teariake is moving forward with its community conservation efforts.
Be Andriaky Mangrove Reserve
Just over 300 km north of Andavadoaka, Blue Ventures is working with the people of Belo sur Mer to establish a community-based natural resource management structure, following the successful Velondriake model. This past November, the Be Andriaky Committee held the first opening of its pilot mangrove reserves, after a 3-month test closure designed to allow crab populations to recuperate while implementing a locally-enforced fishing season. The reserve opening was a big success, leaving the community enthusiastic to close the reserve again and strengthen its community-based management structure. Watch the film below to see and hear the outcome.
Related Articles
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Community creation and management of the Velondriake marine protected area, 2009 |
Understanding migration amongst the traditional fishers of West Madagascar, 2009 |
